LARGE SCHOOLS STARTING FIVE(Classes 5A and 4A)1. East Jefferson (25-3, Last week No. 1) - The Warriors, ranked No. 5 in the Class 4A power-rankings state-wide, barely escaped with a 40-38 road victory over Karr in a somewhat sloppy affair last weekend. They committed 15 turnovers but perhaps it was the wakeup call they needed during the midst of a dominant 12-game winning streak. Another issue for East Jeff is the potential loss of junior sharpshooter Manny Nicholas who was cleared to play this week -- after sitting out two-weeks with a groin injury -- but still is experiencing noticeable pain. He’s a clutch perimeter performer and his status may be huge this postseason, so stay tuned.

2. Higgins (25-4, Last week No. 2) - The Hurricanes are on a 12-game winning streak and last week they secured the District 8-5A Title with a 29-point victory against Bonnabel, whom they close the season against Friday night. Ranked No. 4 in the Class 5A rankings, Higgins relies on a smothering defense that has stymied opposing teams all season. Offensively the Hurricanes just need to keep spreading the ball around and letting senior point guard Shawn Jones attack off the dribble to set up their main weapon, Melvin Frazier.

3. Landry-Walker (29-5, Last week: No. 3) –Tyree Griffin dropped 19 in an 80-44 victory against Lake Area, which followed a near triple-double in a road-roasting of district foe Karr last week. The Charging-Buccaneers are 10-4A District Champions after surviving a near upset by Belle Chasse, however, the second-half of this season their offensive efficiency has caught up with their always prevalent defensive intensity. Ranked fourth in the current 4A power-rankings, Landry-Walker will go as far as its playmaking trio of guards takes it.4. St. Augustine (24-8, Last week: No. 4) – The Purple Knights, No. 6 in the 5A power-rankings, wrapped up a District 9-5A Catholic League title on the back of senior stalwart Bryce Washingto, who finished with 25 points and 19 rebounds in a win against Holy Cross last week. St. Aug ended the season strong with a victory at Jesuit. Point guard Blake Jones is finally healthy as the team appears to have a much better flow on the offensive end. As they prepare for a playoff push, the Purple Knights' keys for a lengthy postseason run will be continuing to play good inside-out basketball.

5. East St. John (21-5, Last week: No. 5) – The Wildcats are ranked No. 7 in the 5A power rankings and will end the season at Destrehan Thursday night after defeating Terrebonne 93-61. The District 7-5A champions have lost one game since late December, and don’t look now but one of the deepest teams in the area just discovered another scorer in River Parishes Player of the Week Raekwon McKnight, who finished with 16 points in a win against Thibodeaux.

On the bench: Helen Cox (24-6) only has two losses in its past 13 games and they were both to Higgins. The Cougars are currently ranked-13th in the 4A power-rankings…. Salmen (21-7) is District 8-4A champion and will finished the season at home against East Jeff…Mandeville (21-8) proved its worth as it is ranked No. 16 in the 5A power-rankings, but may have to play Northshore again Saturday afternoon to break the tie atop District 6-5A and garner an automatic postseason bid …Karr (16-11) was up by six points over East Jeff with about a minute left, but couldn’t stop a desperate Warriors’ team down the stretch…Because they’ve played one of the toughest schedules this season they are still ranked 15th in the 4A power-rankings…

SMALL SCHOOLS STARTING FIVE(Classes 3A, 2A and 1A)

1. Riverside (26-3, Last week: No. 1)Winners of District 10–2A and 22-straight games, the Rebels are the top rated team by power rankings in 2A and will certainly be the No.1-overall seed when the playoffs begin. Exceptional 3-point shooting, fast-paced offense, deep bench, and a great home-court advantage all make Riverside the favorite to repeat as 2A champs.

2. John Curtis (18-5, Last week: No. 2) – The Patriots, No. 4 currently in the power-rankings, jumped up to Class 3A this year and taught some lessons as they went undefeated capturing the 11-3A regular season title. Point guard Richard Durant was already an electrifying playmaker, but his offensive scoring has improved late in the season. Additionally if Curtis has Malachi Dupre back for the playoff run, a great team will get even better.

3. Country Day (22-8, Last week: No. 3) – With the District 9-1A crown already sitting atop their heads, The Cajuns, winners of seven straight, have one more test before the playoffs as they’ll take on Curtis Friday on the road. They currently rank fourth in the Class1A power-rankings.

4. De La Salle (20-8, Last week: No. 4) - The Cavs took some huge strides this season and only have two district loses to Curtis. They are currently ranked No. 29 in the Class 3A power-rankings and barring something unforeseen Coach Paul Kelly and his team should be taking the program’s next step in postseason play.

5. Lusher (17-11, Last week: No. 5) – Two one-point losses to De La Salle this month may be the difference between a playoff run and staying home for the post-season. The Lions battled Curtis tough in their second meeting of the season, but missed opportunities may haunt this team as they currently rank No. 34 in the Class 3A power-rankings. Jermaine Long, Devon Spencer, and Jordan Smith have certainly put this squad on the right track despite some regrettable late season losses.